How to apply for Indiana SHIP — State Health Insurance Assistance Program

Who it's for

Indiana SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) provides FREE, impartial Medicare counseling for Hoosiers: comparing and enrolling in Medicare, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Medicare Advantage, and Part D plans, plus help applying for the Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help/LIS. No income limit to receive counseling. Delivered by trained volunteers through the Indiana Department of Insurance and local partners. Call 1-800-452-4800 or visit in.gov/ship.

What you'll need

• Medicare card (or upcoming Medicare eligibility)
• List of current medications (for Part D comparison)
• Proof of Indiana residency

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Indiana SHIP — State Health Insurance Assistance Program. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need medicare card (or upcoming Medicare eligibility), list of current medications (for Part D comparison), proof of Indiana residency — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather your documents before reaching out: your Medicare card (or proof of upcoming Medicare eligibility), a list of your current medications, and proof of Indiana residency.
2. Contact Indiana SHIP by phone at 1-800-452-4800 or apply online through the official Indiana SHIP website to request a free counseling session.
3. Speak with a trained SHIP counselor who will review your Medicare options — including Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Medicare Advantage, and Part D drug plans — based on your specific needs and medications.
4. Ask your counselor about the Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help/Low Income Subsidy (LIS), which can lower your premiums and drug costs. Your counselor can help you apply for these programs.
5. Complete any enrollment or application forms your counselor recommends, with their guidance, to finalize your Medicare plan selection or benefit program applications.

What to expect: After connecting with a SHIP counselor, you will receive free, impartial guidance tailored to your Medicare situation — there is no income limit to receive this help. If you apply for the Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help/LIS through your counselor, processing times for those programs vary, so ask the counselor or the relevant agency for an estimate. SHIP counseling is available on an as-needed basis, meaning you can return any time your Medicare needs change — such as during Open Enrollment, after a life event, or when you want to review your current plan. Think of SHIP as your first stop for any Medicare question or plan decision.

Renewals

as-needed